In a groundbreaking move for the sports card industry, Burbank Sportscards has inked an exclusive agreement with the newly launched Fanatics Collect platform to list its vast collection of 40 million sports cards. This collaboration comes hot on the heels of Fanatics Collect’s recent debut, making it a high-profile addition to the 2024 National Sports Collectors Convention.
A prominent figure in card trading, Burbank Sportscards has been a dominant force on eBay since 2003, boasting an impressive track record of over 6.8 million items sold. Additionally, the shop has facilitated the sale of 7.2 million cards through the Beckett Marketplace since 1999, cementing its reputation as a key player in the card trading community.
Chris Lamontagne, the president of Fanatics Collect, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with Burbank Sportscards, highlighting Rob Veres’ industry expertise as a driving force behind the collaboration. Lamontagne emphasized the importance of aligning with top-tier partners and praised Veres for his commitment to excellence in the field.
For Rob Veres, the owner of Burbank Sportscards, joining forces with Fanatics Collect represents a unique opportunity to elevate his business to new heights. The strategic decision to list trading cards on Fanatics team shops alongside popular merchandise like caps and jerseys aims to provide fans with a comprehensive shopping experience that celebrates a diverse array of players and teams.
While acknowledging the apprehension of moving away from eBay’s established platform, Veres sees the partnership with Fanatics Collect as a bold step towards growth and innovation. The transition is accompanied by Burbank’s relocation to a spacious 14,000-square-foot facility, equipped with in-store kiosks for on-demand card orders, enhancing the overall customer experience.
The challenge of integrating 40 million cards into the Fanatics Collect platform is met with Burbank’s cutting-edge inventory system, ensuring a seamless transition for both buyers and sellers. Customers can expect to see cards appearing on the platform in the coming weeks, with an exclusive window for in-store purchases at Burbank before they are listed on Fanatics Collect.
Unlike other sellers on the platform whose cards are fulfilled by Fanatics, Burbank will manage its own shipping processes, emphasizing a personalized touch and efficient service for customers. Veres anticipates a surge in demand that may necessitate expanding his team from 25 to 50 members within the next six months to accommodate the growing business.
Despite the complexities involved, Veres remains optimistic about the partnership, envisioning curated card releases and active participation in Fanatics’ future events. He sees the collaboration as an opportunity to break through the limitations of conventional marketplaces and tap into a global audience of sports enthusiasts.
The alliance between Fanatics Collect and Burbank Sportscards is framed as a long-term commitment with ambitious objectives on both sides. Fanatics aims to attract and engage a fresh wave of customers, while Veres seeks to propel sales growth by diversifying Burbank’s inventory with a focus on high-end cards, expanding its market presence.
Veres envisions a future where sports fans worldwide discover Burbank Sportscards through the Fanatics platform, signaling a new era of accessibility and engagement for card collectors. Partnering with Fanatics Collect represents a strategic move towards unlimited opportunities and a dynamic marketplace for sports cards aficionados.
